Travel Tips

How to Get Around Lyon: Info, Costs And Advice

Navigating Lyon: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Around

Lyon is one of the most important cities in France, located in the eastern part of the country, close to the borders with Italy and Switzerland. With its rich historical center full of attractions to visit and part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Lyon is a vibrant and surprising city that’s also famous for being the birthplace of French cuisine.

Exploring Lyon: The Fourvière Hills, Croix-Rousse, Old Town, and Peninsula

The city can be divided into four main areas: the Fourvière hills, Croix-Rousse, the Old Town, and the Peninsula between the Rhône and Saône rivers. Each area has its unique charm and attractions.

Fourvière Hills: The Fourvière hills offer stunning views of the city and are home to the famous Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
Croix-Rousse: Croix-Rousse is a historic neighborhood known for its narrow streets, charming shops, and traditional restaurants.
Old Town: The Old Town is filled with medieval architecture, bustling streets, and picturesque squares.
Peninsula: The Peninsula offers a mix of modern and historic buildings, as well as beautiful parks and gardens.

Getting to the City Center from Lyon Airport

Lyon Airport (LYS) is located about 28 km from the city center, a 30-minute drive. To get to the city center from the airport, you can take a train (Rhoneexpress), bus, or taxi.

Train: The Rhoneexpress train takes approximately 30 minutes and costs around €10.
Bus: The bus ride takes about 45 minutes and costs around €2-3.
Taxi: A taxi ride takes about 30 minutes and costs around €50-60.

Walking in Lyon: Tips and Tricks

Walking is not easy in Lyon due to its large size and two hills with steep slopes. We recommend walking only within the historic center, which is more pedestrian-friendly, and then use public transportation to explore the rest of the city. Consider a guided walking tour of the Old Town, especially for your first visit.

Guided Walking Tours: A panoramic bike tour (2 hours) on an e-bike is also a great idea.
Pedestrian-Friendly Areas: The historic center, Croix-Rousse, and parts of the Peninsula are pedestrian-friendly areas where walking is safe and enjoyable.

Public Transportation in Lyon

Lyon has a comprehensive public transportation system, including metro, tram, bus, funiculars, and bike lanes. The most efficient way to get around the city is by using the metro and tram.

Metro: The Lyon Metro has 4 lines (A, B, C, D) that intersect in several points, allowing you to explore much of the city easily and quickly.
Tram: The tram network covers most of the city center and connects it with surrounding areas. Tram tickets cost €1.76 for a single journey.
Bus: The bus network is extensive, covering all areas of the city. Bus tickets also cost €1.76 for a single journey.

Tips for Using Public Transportation

Buy Tickets in Advance: Consider purchasing a 24-hour ticket (€6.20) to explore the city comfortably.
Validate Your Ticket: Make sure to validate your ticket before boarding the train, tram, or bus.
Use the Metro and Tram: The metro and tram are the most efficient ways to get around the city.

Using Public Transportation for Tourists

For tourists, we recommend using the Lione City Pass, which includes discounts for museums, free guided tours, and unlimited transportation during its duration.

Lione City Pass: The pass costs around €24-30 per day.
Museum Discounts: The pass also includes discounts for many of Lyon’s museums.

Funicolare: A Fun Way to Explore the City

Lyon’s funicular system is an integrated part of the public transportation network, with two active lines: Saint Jean-Saint Just and Saint Jean-Fourvière. The fare is €3.00 per a return journey only.

Funiculaire: The funicular is a great way to explore the city’s historic center.
Combine with Public Transportation: Consider combining the funicular with public transportation for a more efficient way to get around.

By Car: Tips and Tricks

Driving in Lyon can be challenging due to its narrow streets and one-way traffic on the city center’s roads. We recommend avoiding renting an auto or driving your own vehicle, as parking is difficult and expensive.

Parking: The highest concentration of parking spaces can be found in the areas around Part-Dieu and Perrache stations, as well as in the 2nd and 3rd Arrondissements.
Parking Fees: Parking fees vary depending on the location and duration. For tourists, parking is limited to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

ZES (Low Emission Zone)

Lyon has a ZES area, which requires foreign-registered vehicles to display a Crit’Air sticker. The sticker can be obtained online from the official French government website.

Crit’Air Sticker: The sticker costs around €5-10 per year.
Displaying the Sticker: Make sure to display the sticker on your vehicle’s dashboard.

Getting Around by Bike

If you’re planning to visit Lyon by bike, there’s an e-bike rental system available in certain areas during the summer months (€1.50 per 24 hours or €3 for 3 days). Alternatively, consider booking a guided E-Bike tour.

E-Bike Rentals: The e-bike rentals are available in the historic center and parts of the Peninsula.
Guided Tours: Guided tours can be booked online or at local bike rental shops.

Conclusion

Lyon is a vibrant and surprising city that’s easy to navigate, even for tourists who don’t speak French. By using public transportation, walking, or biking, you can explore all areas of the city comfortably. Don’t forget to try some of Lyon’s famous cuisine and visit its many attractions!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I get to the city center from Lyon Airport?
A: You can take a train (Rhoneexpress), bus, or taxi from the airport.

Q: What is the best way to get around the city?
A: The most efficient way to get around the city is by using the metro and tram.

Q: Can I walk in Lyon?
A: While walking can be challenging due to the hills, it’s possible to explore the historic center on foot.

Q: Are there any parking options for tourists?
A: Limited parking spaces are available near public transportation stations.

Q: Do I need a Crit’Air sticker if I’m driving a foreign-registered vehicle?
A: Yes, if you’re planning to drive in Lyon and your vehicle is registered outside of France.

Q: Can I rent an e-bike or book a guided E-Bike tour?
A: Yes, there are several bike rental shops and tour operators available in the city.

Q: What are some tips for using public transportation as a tourist?
A: Consider buying tickets in advance, validating your ticket before boarding, and combining with other modes of transport.

Q: Are there any discounts or passes available for tourists?
A: Yes, the Lione City Pass includes discounts for museums, free guided tours, and unlimited transportation during its duration.

Q: What is the best way to explore Lyon’s historic center on foot?
A: Consider taking a guided walking tour, especially for your first visit.

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